3.27.2010

I love tapioca. But it has reputation of one either loving or hating it. In the right base Tapioca can soar. Think of fun fruity and ever so popular bubble teas. And tapioca is apt to find its way on the higher ends menus these days in sweet and savory applications. So this clear translucent starch doesn't have to limited to stodgy plain, but good desserts any longer. Rather than make a traditional pudding recipe with whipped egg whites, I decided to use whipped cream as I was mimicking one of my favorite dessert type cocktails, the Brandy Alexander. Tapioca cooked with egg yolks, vanilla paste,sugar,cocoa, and brandy.Then allowed to chill and folded into more brandy spiked whipped cream. All topped with fresh grated nutmeg, and served in coco rimmed containers. Rich, light, decadent, and just plain good.

Brandy Alexander Tapioca Pudding

Serves 4

2 hours plus chilling time

1/3 cup small pearl tapioca

2 3/4 cups milk (set aside 3/4 for soaking)

2 large egg yolks

1/2 cup sugar

1 tbsp cocoa powder

1 tsp vanilla extract

1/4 cup Brandy plus 1 tsp for whipped cream

1cup heavy whipping cream

1 tbsp sugar

cocoa powder and brandy for rims

fresh nutmeg for grated garnish

Soak the small pearl tapioca in 3/4 cups milk in a heavy bottomed sauce pan.

Allow to soak for 1 hour.

While waiting you can whip 1 cup whipped cream with 1 tbsp of sugar in your stand mixer. Add 1 tsp of brandy and cover to chill.

On a low to medium heat slowly cook tapioca and milk until it starts to bubble/boil.Check and stir periodically.While waiting for this which can take 10-15 minutes, whisk egg yolks, sugar, cocoa in bowl.Once Tapioca starts to cook/boil on low heat add egg yolk mixture and whisk to incorporate. Slowly simmer on low medium heat stirring constantly until the tapioca pearls starts to expand and become translucent. This will take another 20 minutes or so. If its cooking to fast adjust heat, so tapioca can cook completely. At final stage add vanilla and 1/4 cup of brandy. Whisk in and set aside. Allow to cool, covered before chilling for at least 4 hours.

After completely chilled, fold in whipped cream.

Take serving glasses and dip rim a saucer of brandy. Then dip in a saucer of cocoa powder.